Tightened GRAMA restrictions pass House

A bill opposed by many Utah media organizations passed the Utah House on Wednesday.

HB122 would make it easier for law enforcement and other officials to keep various investigation documents secret.

Sponsor Rep. Douglas Aagard, R-Kaysville, amended his bill to make it more palatable. But several House members still objected to it.

"We've raised the bar too high" for the public to meet, said Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland.

As amended, Aagard's bill would allow a person or entity, like a newspaper, to appeal the denial of a GRAMA request to a court. His original bill didn't. But a judge would have to find "clear and convincing" evidence that the public good outweighs the officials' desire to keep the investigation information secret.

Now the standard is the preponderance of evidence, a lower threshold. HB122 passed 43-27 and goes to the Senate.

E-MAIL: bbjr@desnews.com